A Peek At My Books

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Sunday, 7 October 2007

"Leslie lived in the wilds of Montana, and I...well, I just lived wild."

Living without direction has its fun moments but Terra Froese's reckless behaviour is wearing thin. To protect her own hide Terra seeks refuge in the small Montana town of Harland, the home of her sister Leslie, estranged from a relationship at Terra's choosing.

Leslie, finally settled in Harland after a difficult transition from city life doesn't need her wayward sister blowing in and wreaking havoc with her new found contentment. Her husband Dan is unhappy with Terra's presence sure she will cause more trouble. When Leslie is summoned to the Harland County jail by good friend Lieutenant Jack DeWindt to bail Terra out of another scrape, her husband is proven right once again!

All In One Place poignantly reveals Terra's inner struggle as she seeks to find belonging in a town more used to cows and stetsons than designer boots and nose piercings. Carolyne Aarsen creates an irresponsible yet appealing character in Terra, whose first person voice is exceptional. Jack, Leslie and Dan's individuality is captured beautifully through Terra's viewpoint and Cor DeWindt and Father Sam's diner conversations weave spiritual issues seamlessly in to the storyline.

I was captivated by Terra's journey and all it entailed, including Jack's attraction, Cor's meddling and Leslie's frustration. The depth of Terra's struggle to see herself as more than the sum of her mistakes is genuine and moving and her unsteady steps toward forgiveness, heartbreakingly realistic. The supporting characters add great humour and drama as Terra's past collides with her present as she tries to protect a friend. Terra and Leslie's relationship is one all sisters will relate to and is a reminder of the wonderful bond of sisterhood.The only thing lacking with All In One Place is a sequel - I hope we get to visit Harland and its engaging inhabitants again!

I have recently purchased The Only Best Place, the first in this series which tells Leslie's story ~ can't wait!

The publisher of All In One Place, Faithwords, has kindly provided me with a copy of this great book to give away to a winner with an American or Canadian address only! Please leave a comment below before midnight Saturday 13th October and I will enter you in to the draw!As seen at TitleTrakk